Computed tomography findings of Caplan syndrome

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2003 Sep-Oct;27(5):758-60. doi: 10.1097/00004728-200309000-00013.

Abstract

We report a case of Caplan syndrome complicated with tuberculosis, which was clinically followed up for 18 years and underwent autopsy. Initial chest radiograph showed 2 large nodules against the background of smaller pneumoconiotic nodules. One of the large nodules showed cavitation during follow-up. Computed tomography (CT) was helpful in identifying calcification in another large nodule. Autopsy confirmed the 2 large nodules as burned-out rheumatoid nodules and revealed additional rheumatoid nodules that were indistinguishable from silicotic nodules by CT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Caplan Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Caplan Syndrome / pathology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / diagnostic imaging
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / pathology
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / pathology